Then read on. This fall, the Chronicle publishes its fourth annual report on the top places to work in the Greater Houston area as determined by company employees.

"There are plenty of positive stories to highlight in our business community. This survey is a wonderful way to bring attention to those who deserve it," Chronicle Business Editor Laura Goldberg said. "Last year, more than 72,500 local employees weighed in with opinions, and we'd love to see more people participate this year. Companies singled out for recognition say they are proud to be honored."

Any workplace with at least 50 local employees is eligible to be considered. The organization can be private, public, nonprofit or a government agency. Anyone can nominate a workplace: employees, customers or top executives.

To determine winners, the Chronicle's partner in the report, WorkplaceDynamics, will conduct short employee surveys. Surveys will start this month and be completed by July.

WorkplaceDynamics does surveys for more 30 major news organizations across the country and surveyed over 1.7 million employees last year alone.

Last year, the Chronicle expanded its list of Top Workplaces to 150 companies from 100 companies. The list is broken into three categories: large, midsize and small.

Companies also receive special recognition for categories ranging from ethics to communication to work-life flexibility.

The Chronicle will host an awards gala event in advance of the special section.

"Last year, we were delighted to celebrate 150 Top Workplaces in Houston," Doug Claffey of WorkplaceDynamics said. "This was the first time in the history of the Top Workplaces programs nationally that so many Top Workplaces were recognized in one metro area. This is a sign of the Houston-area employees' pride in their companies and in their city."

Last year, Anadarko Petroleum Corp. was tops in the large category, David Weekley Homes for the midsize category and Energy XXI for small.

"I love the management style, the freedom to do other things besides normal day-to-day operations. If I want to learn something, all I have to do is ask," Melissa Castro, an engineering tech at Energy XXI told a Chronicler reporter for a story in last year's special report.